Ive us3d the XBA3's with the FiiO X3 a bit. I agree they sound pretty darned good. I know Sony has improved on them a lot, according to what ive read. But I'm quite happy to stick with these for awhile longer.

XBA-3 is very much V-shaped, metallic sibilance is omnipresent. I don't use an amp, you guys think it will make a difference? I also got XBA-H3 which is a completely different beast, and so far could not find any piece of music that would be more enjoyable with XBA-3. I am curious if XBA-30 sounds better than XBA-3, in particular if XBA-30 is less sibilant...

XBA-3 is very much V-shaped, metallic sibilance is omnipresent. I don't use an amp, you guys think it will make a difference? I also got XBA-H3 which is a completely different beast, and so far could not find any piece of music that would be more enjoyable with XBA-3. I am curious if XBA-30 sounds better than XBA-3, in particular if XBA-30 is less sibilant...

Most important with XBA-3/30 is to have source with less than 1 Ohm output impedance to sound correct.

Does anyone know if it's possible to get replacement noise reduction tips (the one w/the foam ring underneath) for these XBA-3s? I've been using mine for years now and the foam has gotten too flattened out so won't stay under the silicone tip easily anymore. But Sony doesn't seem to sell these particular tips separately anywhere, or at least I haven't been able to find it yet. All I see are replacement hybrid tips which I'm not as fond of. I don't understand why Sony would include these noise reduc tips and not provide replacements for them.

This may be late, but it's available in japan, you can also try you local service center and purchase them as a spare part (not off the shelves), price will be very expensive.

I have about 4-5 sets, I never liked them, I used the SS size normal ones, and I purchased a pack of SS 2 pairs from Japan, never got the chance to use them, had my XBA 3 for over 2 years and still on my first set, also have the EX500, EX600 and EX800ST, that's why I have so many tips.